May is Brain Awareness Month

According to the American Brain Tumor Association, brain tumors affect over 700,000 Americans. Every year, 80,000 new brain tumors are diagnosed, including 4,600 in children ages 0-19. Brain tumors kill more children than any other cancer, including leukemia, and it is the third deadliest cancer among adolescents and young adults. Brain tumors cause more than 16,000 deaths each year.

Brain Tumor Symptoms

The primary goal of Brain Tumor Awareness Month is to educate people about the signs and symptoms of a brain tumor. Warning signs are very nonspecific, but may include:

Unexplained Nausea

Loss of Coordination

Vision Problems

Hearing Problems

Speech Problems

Problems Thinking

Persistent Headaches

Seizures

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor right away.

Brain Tumor Imaging

Neuroradiology is the branch of medicine focused on imaging and diagnosing brain ailments. All of our RadNet centers which have MRI and CT provide neuroradiology services. All of our neuroradiologists are fellowship trained and board-certified. We image patients using the most current, state-of-the-art equipment, allowing us to map the size, shape, and position of a brain tumor, in order to help your physician devise your best course of treatment. At RadNet, we have a demonstrated track record of providing top-notch imaging services and quality patient care. Dr. Suzie Bash, neuroradiologist at San Fernando Valley Interventional and Radiology Center, says “brain tumors are best visualized and characterized with MRI technique. General screening is typically performed with a routine MRI of the brain. However, when there is a very high clinical suspicion for brain metastases or a primary brain tumor, our neuroradiology team uses a special contrast-enhanced thin-slice MRI brain tumor protocol designed to specifically to detect brain tumors at their very earliest stage (even as small as 1 mm in size).” Dr. Bash explains that the RadNet neuroradiology team uses specific imaging tools which allow them to predict whether a tumor is high-grade or low-grade. They also use cutting edge imaging techniques to help differentiate between tumor recurrence and radiation change following tumor resection. Sedation service is also provided for pediatric (and sometimes adult) patients, if needed.

Dr. Bash goes on to say, “Here at RadNet, we leverage high quality, state-of-the-art imaging techniques which are value driven and patient centric. We use techniques which allow us to do the study right the first time in a time efficient manner, which greatly increases patient satisfaction.”